On June 9, 2025, the 25th BET Awards lit up the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, once again celebrating Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture.
Hosted by Kevin Hart, the star-studded evening was dominated by powerhouse performances, heartfelt tributes, and major wins from both legendary and emerging talents .
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🎶 Music Highlights
Kendrick Lamar led the night with four major wins, including:
Album of the Year – GNX
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Video of the Year – “Not Like Us”
Video Director of the Year – shared with Dave Free
SZA was crowned Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while the duo Kendrick Lamar & SZA snagged Best Collaboration for “Luther” .
Chris Brown took home Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and the Viewer’s Choice Award for “Residuals” .
Doechii earned Best Female Hip Hop Artist, using her acceptance speech to critique recent militarized police responses in Los Angeles .
Future & Metro Boomin won Best Group, and Leon Thomas was named Best New Artist .
Summer Walker received the BET Her Award for “Heart of a Woman,” and the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award went to GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music for “Rain Down on Me” .
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🎬 Film & TV Accolades
Best Actor went to Denzel Washington, while Best Actress was awarded to Cynthia Erivo .
The historical biopic Luther: Never Too Much won Best Movie .
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🏀 Sports Stars Celebrated
Simone Biles was recognized as Sportswoman of the Year, and LeBron James won Sportsman of the Year, spotlighting their global impact both on and off the field .
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🌟 Rising Star & Icon Honors
Blue Ivy Carter earned the YoungStars Award, further cementing her presence in entertainment .
Kirk Franklin, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg were recognized with the Ultimate Icon Award for their enduring influence in music and culture .
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🎤 Performances & Moments
The ceremony featured electrifying performances and tributes—a spotlight on 106 & Park’s return led by Keyshia Cole, Ashanti, Amerie, and Bow Wow. Doechii's podium moment drew attention to democracy and protest rights .
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📝 Full Winners Recap
Category Winner
Album of the Year
GNX – Kendrick LamarVideo of the Year "Not Like Us" – Kendrick LamarBest Male
Hip Hop Artist
Kendrick LamarBest
Female R&B/Pop Artist
SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown
Best Collaboration
"Luther" – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Group
Future & Metro BoominBest
New Artist
Leon Thomas
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Doechii
BET Her Award
“Heart of a Woman” – Summer
WalkerGospel/Inspirational
“Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin & Maverick City
MusicViewer’s Choice
“Residuals” – Chris BrownBest
Actor
Denzel Washington
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo
Best Movie
Luther:
Never Too MuchYoungStars
Award Blue Ivy Carter Sportsman of the Year
LeBron
James
Sportswoman of the Year
Simone BilesUltimate
Icon Award
Kirk Franklin, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg
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The 2025 BET Awards reinforced its reputation as a powerful cultural showcase—blending star-studded performances, meaningful recognition, and unapologetic advocacy.
Congratulations to all the winners and a heartfelt salute to Black excellence across the globe.